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Preserve Rhode Island

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Preserve Rhode Island

Statewide advocate for Rhode Island's historic places

The only statewide advocate for Rhode Island's historic places and owner of several historic properties including Lippitt House in Providence, Philip Walker House in East Providence, and the Jeremiah Dexter House in Providence.

08/25/2026

Preserve Rhode Island is thrilled to announce today the 10 recipients of the 2026 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, it’s more important than ever to recognize the work that ensures that Rhode Island remains a treasure trove of history. This year’s awardees demonstrate diverse approaches to preservation — from landmark-saving brick-and-mortar restoration projects, creating guidelines to better inform future preservation efforts, or mapping precious history that would otherwise be lost.

The 18th annual Rhody Awards will take place at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence on Sunday, October 25th from 4 to 7 PM. Buy your tickets today!

Learn more about the awardees and buy tickets by clicking the link in our bio!

08/17/2026

Preserve Rhode Island is profoundly disappointed by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) July 24 vote to advance sweeping revisions to the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 36 CFR Part 800. The tools our nation relies on to protect its irreplaceable historic and cultural resources are under direct threat — and once again, the process by which that threat was advanced should trouble anyone who cares about transparent, accountable government.

Read our full statement by clicking the link in our bio.

06/25/2026

Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse was recently awarded a $10,000 matching grant for historic preservation from The 1772 Foundation in cooperation with Preserve Rhode Island. Replacement of the deteriorating chimney on Pomham Rocks Lighthouse with a watertight, historically accurate one will be part...

06/22/2026

For years, Preserve RI has partnered with GrowSmartRI to advocate for the state’s Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program. This program has a proven track record – it has generated over $2.18 billion in total investment into the state and has generated approximately 20% of all new housing from 2013 through 2023. After unsuccessful efforts to include funding for the program in the Governor’s budget, we worked with key allies in both the House and Senate to introduce two pieces of legislation (H8408 and S3151) in both houses that would address issues with the program, including an extension of the sunset (“sunset” refers to the expiration of a particular law/program). Despite the Senate passing S3151 with a minor Sub A revision, the House did not take action prior to the close of the legislative session. This is likely due to the last-minute change in House Leadership. Without any action by the House, the HTC program will be sunsetting at the end of June.

Preserve RI and Grow Smart RI are currently working with the Division of Taxation to better understand the implications of the program sunsetting. We will provide updates on this critical matter as they arise.

A special thank you to Senators DiPalama and Bissaillon, and Representative Speakman (and all other bill sponsors) for spearheading our legislative efforts. Also, thank you to Senate President Lawson and Majority Leader Ciccone for prioritizing passage in the Senate.

05/12/2026

We were thrilled to welcome guests this past Saturday to our headquarters, Jeremiah Dexter House in Providence. Our program, a walkabout in partnership with the National Park Service (as part of the Washington-Rochambeau trail), led us around the neighborhood to discuss the French encampment on the Dexter property.

At the end of the Revolutionary War, French soldiers led by General Rochambeau camped at the Dexters' farm as they awaited transport back home. This notable event in Rhode Island's contributions to the Revolutionary War in memorialized at Rochambeau Square (at the corner of Summit Ave and Brewster St). This modest memorial was once planned to be part of a 30-acre park that unfortunately never came to fruition.

This program was held in celebration of our Nation's 250th anniversary.

First two photos by Jim Hendrickson.

05/08/2026

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) met yesterday to discuss the proposed painting of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This proposal does not align with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It also, simply put, would worsen the appearance of a building whose architectural significance was made clear by the NCPC when they wrote in the building's 1972 National Register nomination that the Eisenhower building "must be preserved." We await the decision of the NCPC, which has been deferred for further study.

Preserve RI submitted a public comment in opposition of this proposed painting. To read what we wrote, please click the link in our bio.

Photo by Jeff Krause.

05/06/2026

Preserve Rhode Island, in cooperation with the East Providence 250th Celebration and the RI Department of State, hosted a Liberty Tree Planting Ceremony this past Sunday. Liberty Tree plantings have, and will be held, across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns to mark the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Guests were welcomed into Walker House, which is normally closed to the public, and had the opportunity to participate in activities provided by the East Providence Historical Society and the Wampanoag Women's Club. Our ceremony included a performance by the Thirteenth Continental Regiment, opening remarks by Secretary of State Gregg Amore, remarks by local elected officials, and a history of Walker House delivered by Ron Onorato.

This event was made possible with support from the RI250 Commission, the City Council of East Providence, and the EP250 Commission.

04/28/2026

Do you ever marvel the mills in Rhode Island, or pass by a historic building and wonder how this state has retained so much of its history? Not only is the Historic Tax Credit Program in Rhode Island a large contributor to our ability to save our state's iconic treasures, but it is also a proven driver of housing production. From 2013 to 2023, around 20% of all new housing (including 20% of all new affordable housing) came from the program. Right now, thanks to our joint advocacy with GrowSmartRI, legislation to improve this vital program has been filed at the State House.

Tell your local representative you want to see Rhode Island's history flourish with these improvements to the Historic Tax Credit. Click the link in bio to take action.

04/17/2026

We are excited to partner with the East Providence 250 Commission on this upcoming event.

On Sunday, May 3rd at the historic Philip Walker Homestead from 1:00-4:00PM, we will be hosting a ceremony to celebrate the planting of a Liberty Tree at the Walker Homestead. This initiative of RI's Department of State celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Featured at the event will be self-guided tours of Walker House (c. 1724), a rare opportunity as this property is typically closed to the public. Other activities include historically-inspired children’s games provided by the East Providence Historical Society and a flower/planting station run by the Wampanoag Women’s Club. Highlights of the ceremony will include opening remarks by Secretary Amore, remarks by dignitaries including Mayor Bob DaSilva, and a history of Walker House given by renowned historian Ronald Onorato. The ceremony will conclude with a performance by the 13th Regiment, which will include live musket fire.

Sunday, May 3rd from 1:00-4:00PM. Walker House is located at 432 Massasoit Ave, East Providence. Entry is free and no reservation is required. Limited parking will be available at the Massasoit Office Park (400 Massasoit Ave, East Providence), and free street parking is available along Massasoit Ave. and King Philip Rd.

Address

957 N Main Street
Providence, RI
02904

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14012725101

Website

https://linktr.ee/preserverhodeisland

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